BURY have abandoned their ambitious plans to float on the stock market. The Shakers have decided against trying to become listed alongside the likes of megabucks Man United, Spurs and Newcastle 18 months after first revealing their interest exclusively in the BEN.

Instead they are focusing their search to raise vital cash towards wealthy private individuals who might be prepared to take over the financing of the club from the present majority shareholder Hugh Eaves.

Bury are desperate to entice big money men into the club to help them win this season's relegation battle and maintain their First Division status in the long term.

They have been in contact with more than one interested party although talks have not gone beyond the preliminary stage. The £50,000 profit they have made from the £250,000 sale of Lenny Johnrose and the record £200,000 incoming transfer of Darren Bullock - which is expected to be completed today - will pay off their last remaining debts.

It leaves Bury totally debt-free - a rarity in English soccer and a factor which makes them additionally attractive to potential buyers.

Meanwhile, Chris Lucketti looks to have played his last game for Bury.

The skipper failed to agree terms with Huddersfield after the Shakers accepted the Yorkshire club's offer of £750,000 plus two players - central defender Sam Collins and striker Paul Barnes. Those terms could well be settled this week unless Birmingham come in with a better offer first. Blues boss Tremor Francis wants Lucketti if he cannot get number one choice Jon Newsome From Sheffield Wednesday.

Nick Daws is another wanted man with Burnley's ex-Bury boss Stan Ternent wanting to link him up with his midfield partner Johnrose who joined Burnley for £250,000 on Friday, although the asking price of around £750,000 could scare him off.

Manager Neil Warnock said: "It wouldn't surprise me although I think Nick would be silly to go down and division at his age. I didn't think Lenny could play higher but Nick can play a lot higher."

Warnock is also busy on the incoming transfer trail with his sights set on bringing in two players as well as Bullock before next Saturday's home game against Norwich.

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